C. Nichols

C. William "Bill" Nichols left this world for heaven on Saturday April 21, 2012 at 11:18 P.M. in his home. Memorial services will be 11:00 A.M. Wednesday (April 25, 2012) at Central Christian Church, 650 W. William Decatur, IL., where visitation will be from 2:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. Tuesday (April 24, 2012) also at Central Christian Church. Cremains will be inurned in Star of Hope Mausoleum in Graceland Cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts be directed to one of three recipients: Christian Church Foundation, C. William and Claudine Nichols Fund, P.O.Box 1986, Indianapolis, IN 46206-1986; Central Christian Church, 650 W. William, Decatur, IL 62522; or Baby TALK, 500 East Lake Shore Drive, Decatur, IL 62521. Bill was born October 2, 1927 in Baxter Springs, KS, the son of Claude and Beulah (Goff) Nichols, both music teachers. Claude taught music in school and Beulah gave private lessons. He had one brother, Robert, who preceded him in death. Bill felt God's call to ministry when he was a sophomore in high school and was ordained on August 1, 1948. During his ministry he served First Christian Church, Poteau, OK; First Christian Church, Augusta, KS; and Central Christian Church, Kansas City, KS. In 1973, the Nichols' moved to Decatur, IL where he served as Senior Minister at Central Christian Church for a happy and productive partnership with the congregation for nineteen years. In 1991, he was elected to serve a term as General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canadathe highest pastoral and administrative position in the denomination. Following his term as head of the denomination, he was called to serve as Senior Minster of National City Christian Church in Washington, D.C. for a two-year term. In that position he came to know numerous government servants in the church just four blocks from the White House. That church is the Cathedral Church of the Disciples of Christ, and a church of Presidents, the earliest being James A. Garfield and the most recent being Lyndon B. Johnson. Bill received his education from Culver Stockton, Phillips University Seminary, and the University of Chicago. He also received honorary degrees from Phillips University, Eureka College, Bethany College, and Chapman University. He gave named lectureships at several universities and seminaries. He was an Honorary Life Member of Phi Kappa Phi from Millikin University. He was elected to membership in the Theological Society for Faith and Reason and was listed in "Who's Who in America." Bill traveled extensively and was frequently called upon to represent the church in religious gatherings around the world. He was active in ecumenical circles. He preached and lectured in Canada, Nova Scotia, China, Cuba, Puerto Rico, several European nations and Australia, where he preached for a month all over the country in churches, seminaries and town halls. He was elected Pastoral Counselor for the National Organization of Disciple Men at the opening night of "Session 76." He was a writer and speaker for that national organization for the next twenty years. He led many spiritual retreats and workshops. He was frequently called upon to keynote academic, religious and educational groups. Bill served on boards which he often chaired for many church organizations: Division of Global Missions, Homeland Ministries, Council on Christian Unity, Church Extension, Higher Education, National Benevolent Association, Bilateral Council of American and Puerto Rican Churches, Colorado Christian Home, Kansas Christian Home, Illinois Council of Churches, National Council of Churches, Kansas Churches, and Disciples Historical Society. In every community where Bill lived, he participated in local service and leadership roles. He was a founding board member of Decatur Advantage (a city-wide strategic planning body) and chaired the Quality of Life Task Force for eight years. In this role, he became the Founding Father of the Decatur Celebration. Every Sunday for eighteen years, he broadcast a radio ministry on WSOY called "Good News from Central." He served as board member or officer of many community boards as well, such as Downtown Kiwanis Club of Kansas City, Salvation Army, Red Cross, St. Mary's Hospital, Macon County Mental Health Association, and Decatur Area Arts Council. He was named a Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary International. With friend Howard Brown, he co-founded the ROMEO Men's Club. Bill was blessed with a warm personal relationship with Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa, Bishop Shen of China and other world leaders. He gave himself freely to all who came into contact with him. Bill was a prolific writer, having published many articles, journals and curricular materials. His interest in writing began in college where he was awarded the Vachel Lindsay Poetry Award. He authored seven books which were all published. While most of his writings were religious in content, his last published work was an intriguing mystery, "If Gold Shall Rust." He enjoyed music and played the piano beautifully. He composed two sacred anthems, one sacred solo and one jazz "torch" song. All of these works have been performed many times. Bill maintained that his smartest decision was to marry Claudine Shewmake in Baxter Springs, KS in 1945. She was his partner in ministry and life for 63 years and he attributes to her many of the achievements that have been credited to him. To this happy union was born David Nichols, a Tulsa, OK attorney, and Claudia Quigg, Baby TALK Founding Executive Director of Decatur, IL. His daughter-in-law Carol Nichols and son-in-law Leo Quigg complete his four children. He leaves behind seven grandchildren: Maggie Nichols of Tulsa, Jesse Nichols (Jenny) of Washington, D.C., Betsy Osman (Aaron) of Decatur, Michala Lynn (Adam) of Tulsa, Sally McLemore (Nick) of Champaign, IL, Noah Nichols of Tulsa, and Benjamin Quigg of St. Charles, MO. Another generation was achieved in the births of eight great-grandchildren: Christian Bettis, Isabella Wagener, Charles Wagener, Mason Lynn, Reef Nichols, Lauren McLemore, Jane Osman and Joslin McLemore. For all that Bill accomplished in his lifetime, he was mostly a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather to his loving family. He was loved not only by his extended family but also by many people around the world. "
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